The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-11-03
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lie can fail TO be alarmed at the rapid and
daring progress made in the exaltation of
treason. Monuments are rising all over
the South TO men whose only claims TO pub
lie consideration are that they fought skill
fully, bravely and long to perpetuate slavery
and destroy the Government which our
fathers founded and whose blessings we
enjoy. The beginning and the completion
of these memorials are made the occasions
for great public ceremonials, in which high
est officials take part and entire communi-
ties participate. Flags and other mementoes
Of rebellion are paraded rs relics of sacred
cause, and speeches are made by the most
prominent men of the section, in which the
acts Of these heroes of treason in precipitat-
ing and waging the most causeless and
wicked war in history are gloriied as deeds
Of the Hottest patriotism. The rising gen.
Grafton is being taught in the most impress
i've way that there is no honor that can come
10 men like that which is won by plunging
peaceful country into bloody war, and
maintaining the struggle until ii has ex-
hausted It's men and treasure.
Every year-almost every month-sees
these astounding demonstrations become
larger and more impressive, and the utter
ances at them become holder and more reyo-
lutionary.
The past week has seen the most impos-
ing public demonstration in the history of
Virginia take place on the occasion Of laying
the cornerstone Of monument TO Il. L. Lee,
a man whose sole claim TO popular consid-
Grafton rests upon the readiness with which
he offered his sword to the rebellion, and
the success with which he commanded the
armies arrayed against his country. The
ceremonies were conducted by no less per-
son than the Governor of Virginia, assisted
by the whole body Of public functionaries.
The militia of the Commonwealth was
|
Lee commanded were given conspicuous
and honorable part, the school children were
assembled TO hear treason eulogized, and the
people gathered from all parts of the State
TO do honor TO the dead hero Of Secession.
Every sentence spoken by the orators that
day was in praise Of rebellion, and every
feature of the grand pageant was an elo-
quent reminder of how glorious a thing it
was 10 have fought against the Government
Of the United States. The poem Of the &C.
casion, which was greeted with loud APP
plause, made Lee the peer of Washington.
One verse ran:
These two shall ride immortal
And shall ride abreast Of Time,
Shall light up stately history
And blaze in epic rhyme
Both patriots. both Virgnans true,
Both "rebcls," both sublime.
On the very same day there was a scene
of equal significance in city hundreds of
miles to the south of Richmond. Jefferson
Davis, who was the civil head of the So
called Southern COnfederacy," paid visit
TO Macon, Ga, where he was received with
honors such as in Europe are paid 10 Kings
securely enthroned in the love of their peo-
pie. One portion Of the occurrences of the
day is thus described by an Associated Press
dispatch:
Mr.. Davis. surrounded by hiswife and daughters,
Gov. Gordon, Senator Colquitt and others, stood
on the porch and bowed in recognition Of the tu-
multuous yelling. God bless jeff Dayis!" and
"Long live our PRESIDENT" were repeatedly heard
Such crowding such excitement aud such yelling
was unparalleled In past war history The veterans
fairly mad with joy at the privilege Of greet
ing perhaps for the last time the last hope Of the
Confederacy. Following Tie cavalry, which led
the procession, came the remnant Of the Sd Ga.
carrying melancholy-lOoking fragment Of the old
battlenag.
As Mr. Davis caught sight Of the banner he raised
himself up by a supreme effort and kissed its his
toric folds With the assistance of Senator Colquit
he waved the oolors the heads Of the crowds
which were thrown into a delirium OF ecstasy 10y
this extraordinary display. The yelling kept uI
INCREASINGLY and It was not until il was announced
that Mr.. Davis desired 10 speak that the exultant
multitude could be induced TO desist from shout
G. ing. HulpOfleo AZ elliicf SIDE 10y MS VILE and
daughters hc took "A corner Of the flag Ia his hand
! tears streamed down his wrinlcled cheeks and hi.
: voice grew husky with emotion. Trembling under
the strain Of the moment, with eyes rcd with hot
scadng tears. Mr.. Davis presented a touching
picture His family were moved TO tears by the
sight They well knew how seriously any exertior
affects his enfeebled energies. but they were pow
erless TO interfere. He would speak, and this Il
what lac said
[" Friends and Brethren: am like that flag tori
and torn and tattered by storms and years Low,
IL for s sake. love IL for yours-I love Il a
memenio Of what your fathers did. God bles
: | you; will see you again."
When he had concluded he was helped into hi
chair, and for several minutes he was 80 PROSTATE.
o 10 be scarcely able To move, and what a vel
q went up from the thousands Of throats for " JET
J. Davis, our PRESIDENT" To add 10 the exciieneu
d OF the moment Miss Winnie stepped TO the railin
and tore a stripe from the banner relic, which sin
Q kissed and pinned 10 her bosom.
= In the evening the immense assembling
+ was addressed by Gen. Henry Jackson, VIII
fought through the war for the so-calle
Coniederacy, and was lately our Minister &
y Mexico. He opened his speech as follows:
CoNFEDERATE VETERANS: There stands upon m
soil OF Georgia the distinguished Missssippian VIII
a within the life Of the present generation the
:, called traitor, leader Of so-called LOST cause w,
~ a..